and, using state-of-the-art monitoring technologies, are safe and clean for our communities and the environment. we're america's natural gas. back. martha: hurricane sandy now picking up speed as it comes closer to land. the radar showing the megastorm's immense size and its potential to affect some 50 million people. it is coming over some of the most highly populated area in the country. let's bring in rick nab, head of the national hurricane center. good to have you with us. >> good morning. martha: as you've been reporting it is gaining strength at this point. it is it doing anything you did not predict this time yesterday? >> generally speaking, no. we've been forecasting a category 1 hurricane to remain offshore and make this left-hand turn which it has been doing overnight and this morning. it is now getting to an area where waters will be colder, but gets the shot of energy to keep its intensity up. defight -- despite the fact it is making into a poestd tropical system it is not changing impacts and a large system. we'll have several life-threatening hazards and storm surge and heavy ra